Center for Cluster Development and CoordinationInternational collaboration

International collaborative projects and partnerships

Our MissionWe at the CCD promote KBIC’s international development through collaboration with bio clusters outside Japan to promote KBIC as a bio cluster based in Kobe, and yet open to the whole world in accordance with its founding philosophy

BIOCOM

The largest bio cluster on the West Coast of the United States is found in San Diego, home to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, many other excellent research centers, and numerous biomedical companies.In October 2016, FBRI signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BIOCOM, the non-profit organization that works on behalf of numerous life science companies and organizations based in and around San Diego, to enhance FBRI’s collaboration with the San Diego bio cluster.With some 800 businesses and organizations as members, BIOCOM is a leading presence in the field of life science on the West Coast. Together with BIOCOM, FBRI is actively working on trans-cluster collaboration, jointly organizing business matchmaking events and undertaking other initiatives.

FlandersBio

A world-famous bio cluster has emerged from a high concentration of global pharmaceutical companies and cutting-edge biomedical venture businesses in Flanders in northern Belgium, a relatively small region about the size of Japan’s Shikoku Island (approximately 18,800 m2).In June 2010, to promote joint activities, the Kansai Bio Promotion Council, of which FBRI is a member, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with flanders.bio, whose members include pharmaceutical giants, bio ventures, universities, and research centers located in Flanders. Every autumn, FBRI organizes seminars and business partner matching events in Kobe and Osaka in cooperation with Flanders Investment and Trade, as well as the Kansai Pharmaceutical Industries Association and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

Life Science Nord

A concentration of over 500 healthcare-related companies in the Northern German states of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein constitutes one of the largest life science clusters in Europe.With support from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), FBRI has been involved in a regional industry tie-up (RIT) between Northern Germany and Hyogo Prefecture centering on Kobe. This led to the signing in May 2016 of a partnership agreement between FBRI and Life Science Nord, a life science cluster support organization. The two parties have been regularly holding seminars and business interaction events, receiving corporate participants from each other.